There will be much less sap. Pruning maple trees during the dormant season will help your trees with new growth in the spring when they bloom. [1] X Research source Sap is like a tree's blood, providing it with nutrients and healing wounds. This sap can be a nuisance for saws and tools. Prune to remove rubbing branches and branches that are growing out of proportion to the rest of the plant. Pruning Upright Trees. You can also prune in the summer if you want to slow the growth of certain branches. What type of tree is best for me? TIP: while young maple trees can be easily pruned using a hand saw, loppers, or pruners, mature and tall maple trees are best pruned by a professional arborist. They do fill out and get lateral branches. Beetles that infect oak trees are active from late spring through midsummer. Once you figure out when to prune maple trees (which might be during the winter or the end of summer depending on your preference), you can start removing any branches you think should go. A: Young Japanese maples are prone to put on lots of exuberant “whips”: skinny branches covered with leaves. To make room for the leading limb, arborists select a central branch that’s free of damage, wounds or defects. Too much sap, however, will keep the tree from closing the cuts and recovering from the pruning, so you will want to do your pruning at times of the year when the amount of sap in the tree branches it as its lowest. Maple trees have sap that many people will tap for making syrup. Each kind of tree has its own characteristic shape or growth habit and when pruning, you should try to maintain that habit. If you prune them, you’ll get lots of thin twigs at the ends, making the interior dark. Pruning Upright Trees. Prune away any small twigs on the interior of the canopy near the central and lower parts of main branches. Without your guidance, young trees can start to branch out in the wrong direction. Make a single cut going downward and slightly away from the tree trunk. This is exactly what you should NOT do to prune a Japanese maple. If you’re an Acer addict like us this video is going to appeal to you. Save your tree care pruning when the tree is actively growing in the early spring or … While most trees are supposed to be pruned earlier in the year, that is when the maple tree is pumping sap. A maple tree will grow fine without ever being pruned, however, pruning, especially young trees, can help to create a more dense and attractive canopy that provides better shade and visual appeal. When and how do I trim the maple’s interior branches? You may need to use all three basic pruning tools for a red maple: hand pruners or pruning shears, lopping shears and pruning saws. You can remove up to 1/3 of the overall plant size if necessary. While most trees benefit from pruning in the early spring once frost danger has passed, sugar maple trees bleed a sticky sap if pruned during this time. One prunes a tree to remove damaged branches, allow for new growth or create a distinctive shape. Remove branches with extremely narrow, weak crotch angles early in the trees development. Begin pruning by removing any dead, damaged or weak branches first. Avoid major pruning during "maple sugar time" (January through early March in most areas). Wait until the new leaves on the tree … Carl Mansfield, Tree Consultant, Maple … If you prune them, you’ll get lots of thin twigs at the ends, making the interior dark. Proper pruning alters the form and growth of a tree. Be patient. Always wear gloves and protective eye gear too. If you have a tree or trees on your property that need pruning or trimming Phoenix Trim-A-Tree can help. You can also prune to reduce the overall size of the tree during this deep dormancy period. WHEN TO TRIM YOUR JAPANESE LACELEAF MAPLE TREE. Remove any limbs that are rubbing against each other or are too close. Pruning when the tree is still young is essential for the development of a healthy sugar maple with well-spaced and sturdy permanent branches that grow out of a strong, single leader, the trunk. If you prune the tree in the winter or springtime, the sap bleeds or runs out. Next, prune off dead wood — that is, any dead twigs or brittle branches that no longer grow foliage. Always start by removing damaged, dead, diseased shoots, followed by weak, lax or rubbing growth. Although I like to make my pruning plan in the fall, I always wait a few months to before I start to actually prune. Corrective pruning should be attempted on established trees within 3 to 5 years after planting. Maple trees produce sap—lots of sap—which seeps out when the branches are cut. Then, they identify competing stems to shorten or remove. Look at the top of the tree and identify the branch that will be the leader for the trunk. This is done to shape the tree, and get rid of any defective or dead branches. How to prune Acer / Japanese maple trees. Thin out the interior. Read on to learn about them. To prune the upright Japanese Maple tree, you need to follow 4 major steps. This is a good time to do major corrective or training pruning. When to Prune Maple Trees and How to Do It Right There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong way to prune your maple tree. Below we dive into that question - along with how and why to shape young trees. The preferred time to prune young sugar maples is between mid-July and early August when sap levels under the bark are lowest. Fall and winter are a common time to prune and shape most deciduous trees and shrubs, but not the Japanese Laceleaf! I had one called a dwarf Japanese lace leaf maple tree at my first home. When pruning this tree, focus on thinning the crown to allow more air and light to penetrate the upper branches, and removing any dead or diseased branches. Prune later in the summer to lessen the flow of sap. This type of action tends to crush tissue on the underside of the stem where the cut is made, opening up plant tissue to infection. Sharpen your tools if needed before you start to prune - blunt tools are more likely to snap branches, letting in pests and diseases that will harm your tree. For example, pruning maple trees in winter is ideal but can result in bleeding. Remove any suckers that may be present at the base of the tree. They leak sap when pruned, especially if you do it early in spring. The species tendency to lose sap from wounds makes gardeners question the wisdom of pruning maple trees. In this video you’ll learn how to prune your acer to ensure that it looks naturally shaped when the Acer foliage comes out in spring time. Wait until the leaves completely develop before pruning a maple tree. When maples are pruned in late winter or early spring the wounds can be more damaging. Cut back the branches. You should do this either in summer or in winter. The first is to prune off lower limbs that crowd other low-growing shrubs or possibly impede a walkway. This is not the best time to do your pruning. A: Young Japanese maples are prone to put on lots of exuberant “whips”: skinny branches covered with leaves. Should I Prune the Lower Branches of a Red Maple Tree?. Trees also might need to be pruned and therefore reduced in size if … With a little work and effort, your maple trees will perform at their very best. While the tree is without leaves, it is easier to … Do not use hedge shears to prune your trees. This week @MikeTheGardener is showing us how to prune Acer (Japanese Maple) trees. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! The objective here is to make sure that plenty of light gets to the interior of the tree. It will look like any other dormant tree. The Amur maple tree has the potential to be invasive depending on the area. There should be one main center branch. But before you can learn how to trim a tree properly, you need to know why you should trim a tree. Always carry out such pruning in late Autumn or Winter. Pruning is a maintenance practice that can be beneficial to a woody landscape plant when properly performed. Of the Latin Acer campestre, this deciduous tree can grow to heights of … Use proper garden tools, such as the pruning shears, and make sure that you clean them with a strong bleach solution to avoid any kind of disease being transferred from one … Do not remove more than 25 – 30 % of the live foliage in the crown, in any one year. Secateurs are all you'll need for young Japanese Maple trees. Work with the natural habit of the tree to shorten or remove branches. It will look like any other dormant tree. Most common in the northeastern United States, maple trees are lovely and attractive specimens—at least if they're well maintained. However, trees and shrubs may also need some special care to maintain a pleasing shape and stay healthy-looking. The Norway maple will tolerate a diversity of soil conditions and a soil pH anywhere from 4 to 7.5. A maple tree will grow fine without ever being pruned, however, pruning, especially young trees, can help to create a more dense and attractive canopy that provides better shade and visual appeal. Generally it’s better to leave the whips alone. By all means decide in the summer which branches are going to be troublesome - make a note - and do the work later. This reduces the possibility of injury to the tree during windy conditions and fungal infection of exposed tissue. An older tree, or one that has never been pruned, will require more cuts. The rule of thumb to follow when pruning trees and shrubs is: "If you have no good reason to prune, don't". If you prune them off you are more likely to get even more of this same branch type. Younger trees often get long, thin, whip-like branches. The familiar red maple (Acer rubrum) is a native, fast-growing shade tree that has an oval form. If only the tip of the wood is damaged, prune back to a Y-intersection instead. When attempting to prune a Japanese Maple Trees, experts advice that pruning should be carried out based on the location of the tree. Make the second cut from the top and go deep enough to meet the initial cut, thus making sure your hands are out of the way when the branch finally falls. July 28, 2017 at 7:57 am. Horrible advice. The first is to prune off lower limbs that crowd other low-growing shrubs or possibly impede a walkway. To keep maple trees looking their best and producing new growth, trim and prune them. Specifically, you should look for branches that grow up or down along the same angle as the tree trunk or branches that grow into or against other branches. When you do heavy pruning like this, in an effort to save a tree that otherwise would have to be removed, it takes a few years for it to really look great again. Remove the unhealthy wood by cutting it off at the base. Carl Mansfield, Tree Consultant, Maple Leaves Forever, Click below to sign up for updates on our activities, topical tree news and planting tips! If the tree happens to be outdoor, you should always make sure to trim the lower branches. Make the second cut from the top and go deep enough to meet the initial cut, thus making sure your hands are out of the way when the branch finally falls. You're going to need a crane to prune at some point. Removing these will help with the canopy spread of the tree. Her work has appeared in “Illinois Issues” and dozens more newspapers, magazines and online outlets. Choose suitable branches for cutting. Determine what branches to prune. Maple Leaves Forever, 160 Thermos Road, Toronto, ON M1L 4W2. If your tree is young, do little pruning. Wear clothing you can throw away, because if you get the sap on your clothes, it won't come out. Not sure? Lucinda Gunnin began writing in 1988 for the “Milford Times." Gunnin holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and political science from Adams State College and a Master of Arts in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois at Springfield. Pruning young sugar maple trees. Prune the tree in late spring. Secondly, you need to prune off the deadwood. Of course, the size and age of your tree, and the type you have determines how you should prune them. When pruning out disease, clean you pruning tools with disinfectant between cuts. Most common in the northeastern United States, maple trees are lovely and attractive specimens---at least if they're well maintained. Gardeners who want to avoid this sap can wait until the tree has leafed out in late spring to prune their sugar maple. Why? Basic Trimming Tips for Red Maples. Reduce (shorten) all branches greater than 1/2 the trunk diameter, if any are present. Expert insight into the best time to prune a maple tree; why maple tree pruning is important, and how to identify common maple tree diseases. Firstly, you have to prune off the lower limbs which choke the lower shrubs or cause obstacles to walkways. Autumn also works, but spring is never an option since that’s the moment when the maple develops sap. Use a pole saw for branches higher up in the tree, if necessary. To keep the sugar maple tree compact and healthy, prune every year. This sap makes it difficult to work on pruning the tree, so it's best to pick times of year when the sap supply will be at its lowest point. So, do it in a step-by-step manner. Maple trees are known for their brilliant fall color as well as the ease with which they bleed sap. Going against the tree’s natural habit produces ungainly trees that lack grace. Always prune trees in the winter, during dormancy. Depending on how big your tree really is, you may have to consider getting professional help for some of the pruning that may be required. When mature, the paperbark maple grows to about 15 to 30 feet tall and wide, usually with an oval to a rounded oval shape. With the Laceleaf variety you want to be careful not to prune too much of the canopy or shell during the summer months because you can cause the trunk to get sunburned since it has very tender bark. Don’t buy a Japanese Maple that grows too tall for the spot you have chosen. With our certified arborist, highly trained pruning staff, and the best tools we can safely and efficiently prune your trees to achieve the best look, shape, and promote the health and safety of your trees. They look a lot better after a few years. To wrangle their wild tendencies, prune them to provide a stable structure. Depending on how big your tree really is, you may have to consider getting professional help for some of the pruning that may be required. Prune maples in mid- to late- summer. Winter is the optimal season for pruning your trees because their growth is at a minimum, or completely dormant, and the risk of disease is at its lowest. Generally, this is either going to be mid-summer or late fall. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Remove the branch stub. Knowing a few basic tips about tree and shrub pruning practices can help homeowners achieve a more beautiful landscape. This sap makes it difficult to work on pruning the tree, so it's best to pick times of year when the sap supply will be at its lowest point. Most common in the northeastern United States, maple trees are lovely and attractive specimens—at least if they're well maintained. Remove branches that grow toward the center of the tree’s crown or downward in any fashion. Many problems can be corrected or prevented by pruning during the formative years of a sugar maple. Pruning the upright Japanese maple involves four main steps. This action will give you the exact idea about the look of the maple. Don't worry – the sap will stop flowing as soon as the tree begins to put on leaves. Cut roughly a foot out from the trunk of the tree and about halfway through the branch. Studies have shown that these products hinders the maple’s natural healing process. Any new shoot that is growing at the middle of existing branches must be cut. If your tree has branches thicker than our middle finger a pruning saw may come in useful (or keyhole saw for extra precision). Pruning young shrubs is not as critical as pruning young trees, but take care to use the same principles to encourage good branch structure. All Rights Reserved. In this video you’ll learn how to prune your acer to ensure that it looks naturally shaped when the Acer foliage comes out in spring time. Prune a young sugar maple only enough to effectively direct its growth and to correct any structural weakness it may exhibit. Young sugar maple trees. Make a single cut going downward and slightly away from the tree trunk. Pruning when the tree is still young is essential for the development of a healthy sugar maple with well-spaced and sturdy permanent branches that grow out of a strong, single leader, the trunk. Wear clothing you can throw away, because if you get the sap on your clothes, it won't come out. Cuts larger than 3/4 inch in diameter should be made with bypass lopping shears or a pruning saw. When planting deciduous shrubs, thin out branches for good spacing and prune … New trees need help finding their way during their early years. Do not leave any branch stubs. Make the second cut from the top and go deep enough to meet the initial cut, thus making sure your hands are out of the way when the branch finally falls. Here’s how you can decide if you want to prune your maple in … However, don’t go overboard. Although trees do grow quite naturally without pruning, this routine landscape maintenance allows your trees to reach their full potential and live a long life. If you’re an Acer addict like us this video is going to appeal to you. Late fall, after trees have shed their leaves, and early winter is a great time to prune. If needed you can lightly prune maple trees at other times of the year under different situations and circumstances. It isn't dangerous and it won't harm your tree. Prune back any competing branches. Most have heard of Maple … Learn how to prune Japanese Maples from renowned pruning guru Cass Turnbull, founder of PlantAmnesty. Reply. This week @MikeTheGardener is showing us how to prune Acer (Japanese Maple) trees. If you cut into a maple and find sap, you should not be discouraged, because this simply means that the tree is still healthy and will leaf in the spring. Pruning helps trees grow strong and look neat and attractive. They look a lot better after a few years. To prevent fungal disease issues, you want the interior of the maple tree (once its leaves appear next spring and summer) to be rather open and allow penetration of both light and air circulation. Like eucalyptus and birch trees, the peeling bark delights children, who may harass the tree a little more than you like, unless you guard against it. Gardeners who want to avoid this sap can wait until the tree … hand bypass pruning shears Credit: www.thefelcostore.com. Pick the best time of year for pruning. When Should I Prune a Maple Tree? With our certified arborist, highly trained pruning staff, and the best tools we can safely and efficiently prune your trees to achieve the best look, shape, and promote the health and safety of your trees. The bare branches allow you to see the tree structure clearly. This cut will also help prevent the bark from peeling back from the maple tree around the exposed stump. Prune your maple in the late fall while it is dormant. Best Time To Trim Maple Trees. If you have a tree or trees on your property that need pruning or trimming Phoenix Trim-A-Tree can help. Prune and train the tree in winter to have a single trunk if desired by choosing a central leader. If you just go willy nilly and start cutting tree branches, you aren’t going to see success, the arborist states. To keep maple trees looking their best and producing new growth, trim and prune them. With a little work and effort, your maple trees will perform at their very best. Remove the branch stub. Avoid pruning maple trees in autumn. Some re-directed growth will occur within the remaining branches when pruning is done while sugar maples are actively growing. The pruning or trimming of the maple tree is not always straightforward as it seems, that is the reason why you need the … Make sure you perform this pruning exercise as a tradition, on yearly basis, it will help maintain a healthier and more beautiful maple tree. Pruning them before the buds come out will help the tree produce blooms and fruit. Get rid of dead branches littered throughout the tree, which will give you a better idea of how the live branches look and where you need to trim and cut to maximize the aesthetic value of your maple. Maple trees tend to "bleed" (lose sap) a lot when cut, which scares some people away from ever pruning them. Once you cut the branches that need to be removed, thin out the interior portion of the tree by trimming back the smaller branches and twigs. Its important to learn how to prune maple trees and to … Cut Intertwining Branches. Which can help reduce decay down the road. Smaller cuts on branches 1/2 to 3/4 inch diameter can be made using hand pruners (secateurs). If there are co-dominant leaders, select the strongest, straightest of the group to be the leader and either reduce the competing branches by 1/3 their length or completely remove them (if doing so does not remove an excessive amount of leaves). As a maple tree, the Japanese Laceleaf will bleed or ooze sap. … If your maple is a Crimson maple, it's probably the Crimson KING maple (acer platanoides), which reaches 45' high. This is exactly what you should NOT do to prune a Japanese maple. While most trees do not necessarily need a particular time frame for maintenance and pruning, a red maple has certain months of the year that are better for trimming. The Norway maple will tolerate a diversity of soil conditions and a soil pH anywhere from 4 to 7.5. Mike says. Generally it’s better to leave the whips alone. You may be tempted to prune off these scrawny long branches, but don’t. When to Prune Maple Trees. It is better to do this sooner, rather than later, as the longer it is left, the harder it is to prune and less likely to recover. Bypass shears are recommended. Unfortunately, you can't control the root size by pruning the foliage. It was 8 years old when we purchased it, and only stood 2 feet tall. Please be aware that there are also dwarf Japanese maple trees that will only grow the way you have described. For most trees, you should prune when the spring thaw is coming and you start to see a little life in your trees. Tree pruning and trimming is essential to a tree’s health, but is not as easy as it looks. Maple trees tend to "bleed" (lose sap) a lot when cut, which scares some people away from ever pruning them. Prune a young sugar maple only enough to effectively direct its growth and to correct any structural weakness it may exhibit. Maple tree pruning may be done in the spring, with the best months to prune being the time immediately after leaves appear. Container grown shrubs require little pruning. We will only email you 3 – 4 times year. Young trees need to have the lowest limbs removed to enhance clearance. You are correct in saying that the root mass size and tree trunk/branch size are correlated. Your next concern should be branches that intertwine or cross since they … Should you prune young trees? Tar-based pruning paints and tree wound treatments are used almost entirely for cosmetic purposes — if for nothing more than to help neighbors think you know what you are doing. While this won't harm the tree, it doesn't look very pretty, so prune the tree in late spring or summer if you can. Check out our previous email Newsletters. How to prune Acer / Japanese maple trees. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →. Pruning maple trees during the dormant season will help your trees with new growth in the spring when they bloom. The field maple tree is the only maple tree to be native to the UK. Pruning during the fall can cause more harm than benefit to your maple tree. Not sure? Done in two stages, first make an upward cut from the underside of the branch. However, maple tree pruning is an essential part of maple tree maintenance. Japanese maples are spectacular landscape tree specimens that offer year-round color and interest. May to early June is the best time. For example, you may be forced to prune a tree during the spring or summer. People ask about trimming or pruning Japanese maples fairly often and the short answer is yes, you should prune your Japanese maples. Other areas to prune on your maple tree. While this won't harm the tree, it doesn't look very pretty, so prune the tree in late spring or summer if you can. Pruning the entire tree at the same time might shock the tree. Begin training the tree when it is two or three years old. Do not prune the leader. If you only need to remove a few branches, you can trim small branches back at any time of the year without worrying about the tree's health.